Cork’s Social Life Spills Onto the Street
The Long Valley Bar is always busy, and I love seeing interesting characters sitting at the tables outside. The Long Valley Bar has been serving Cork since 1842 and is famous for its traditional “combination” sandwiches – hence the “Plain Comb” on the menu board. These legendary sandwiches typically contain a hearty mix of meats,…
Cork’s Bell Tower from the Steepest Street
Shandon Bells as seen from the top of Patrick’s Hill, from the wall surrounding Bells Field. The eight bells of Shandon Bells were cast in Gloucester, England, in 1750 and shipped to Cork. They’re tuned to play in the key of D major, and each bell has inscriptions including biblical verses and the names of…
Fire in the Sky at Sunset
The sun sets behind a hill on the Dingle Peninsula, Kerry, back in 2021.
Clouds swirl over North Main Street
Whispy cirrus clouds were visible over Cork a few months ago. The building in the background used to be a Catholic Young Men’s Society hall. These societies were established across Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of a movement to provide educational, social, and recreational facilities for young Catholic men,…
Chickens at the market
Chickens, and what looks like a duck, in cages at the Bantry market a few years ago.
A Hidden Retreat on Sherkin Island
An old van sits in the driveway of a house on Sherkin Island, Co Cork. The barrier blocking the way is apparently used extensively on the islands off the Irish coast and in other rural areas, but I’m more familiar with seeing them in WWII films or war zones!
McCarthy’s: the pink garage
The derelict McCarthy’s Garage as it was in 2021 in Schull, Co Cork. The building today is very different, but it’s still pink! I have a few photos of the old petrol pumps that stood outside the building somewhere on this site, going further back in time. The slate roof visible on the McCarthy’s building…
Golden Reflections on the River Lee
An evening walk along the River Lee near the Inniscarra Hydro Station a few years ago and we were rewarded with a lovely sunset shining on the banks of the river.
The Wild Beauty of Coumeenoole Beach
Coumeenoole Beach at the end of the Dingle Peninsula is a favourite spot on a drive around that headland. It’s dangerous to swim there, but it’s such a picturesque area we always end up there every time we visit the area. Coumeenoole Beach gained international fame after being featured in the 1970 film “Ryan’s Daughter,”…
An Urban Tribute to Frederick Douglass
A few years ago, a small mural was painted on a box on Grand Parade, featuring Frederick Douglass. Google Maps shows it was still there in 2024, but I’m not sure about it now. Frederick Douglass visited Ireland in 1845 and was warmly received, finding a sense of freedom here that contrasted sharply with his…
Bicycles and Banter on Castle Street
I interrupted a conversation in process when I took this photo, as the man on the bike noticed me. I don’t think I’ve seen his since I took this photo in March, 2021.
Here, smell this!
Two young baboons in their enclosure in Bioparc Valencia, caught in a playful moment.